Flag-carrier Iberia has extended its suspension of flights to Caracas until at least 31 December 2025, following a fresh advisory from Spain’s Aviation Safety Agency (AESA) that warns of heightened military activity and poor coordination in Venezuelan airspace.
The route—traditionally the fastest link between Spain and Venezuela—was already on hold after the US Federal Aviation Administration classified the Maiquetía Flight-Information Region as ‘potentially hazardous.’ Last week Caracas revoked permits for six foreign airlines that halted services, accusing them of ‘state terrorism.’ Iberia had hoped to restart limited operations this autumn but now joins Air Europa and TAP in waiting for clearer skies.
![Iberia Keeps Madrid–Caracas Route Grounded Until Year-End on Safety Grounds]()
Travellers with existing bookings can re-route via Bogotá, Santo Domingo or Panama City or claim refunds. TMCs say economy fares on those detours have spiked 20–30 per cent as capacity tightens. The suspension also affects cargo; Spanish automotive suppliers operating in Venezuela now face three-day delays as shipments detour through Mexico or Brazil.
Aviation analysts warn that a prolonged hiatus could erode Iberia’s market share among the large Venezuelan-Spanish community and lucrative VFR (visiting-friends-and-relatives) traffic. For corporates, the episode underscores the need for robust duty-of-care and evacuation plans for staff based in Venezuela.
AESA will reassess conditions in early January, but industry observers doubt a quick restart unless diplomatic tensions ease. Until then, mobility planners should budget additional travel time and costs—and watch for fast-changing NOTAMs that could open ad-hoc flight windows at short notice.
The route—traditionally the fastest link between Spain and Venezuela—was already on hold after the US Federal Aviation Administration classified the Maiquetía Flight-Information Region as ‘potentially hazardous.’ Last week Caracas revoked permits for six foreign airlines that halted services, accusing them of ‘state terrorism.’ Iberia had hoped to restart limited operations this autumn but now joins Air Europa and TAP in waiting for clearer skies.
Travellers with existing bookings can re-route via Bogotá, Santo Domingo or Panama City or claim refunds. TMCs say economy fares on those detours have spiked 20–30 per cent as capacity tightens. The suspension also affects cargo; Spanish automotive suppliers operating in Venezuela now face three-day delays as shipments detour through Mexico or Brazil.
Aviation analysts warn that a prolonged hiatus could erode Iberia’s market share among the large Venezuelan-Spanish community and lucrative VFR (visiting-friends-and-relatives) traffic. For corporates, the episode underscores the need for robust duty-of-care and evacuation plans for staff based in Venezuela.
AESA will reassess conditions in early January, but industry observers doubt a quick restart unless diplomatic tensions ease. Until then, mobility planners should budget additional travel time and costs—and watch for fast-changing NOTAMs that could open ad-hoc flight windows at short notice.
